If we follow a low fat, vegetarian or semi-vegetarian diet, we can slow down the aging process. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, complex carbohydrates and a newly discovered range of anti-aging, anti-disease chemicals called phytochemicals, can reverse the process of aging.

             Fresh fruits are great for youth. Berries, such as blue berries, strawberries, currents, jamuns, etc., and apples contain ellagic acid, which contain anti-cancer properties. Apples, in particular, contain ferrulic acid (anti-cancer) and octacosanol (anti-Parkinson-ism element). Hence an apple a day really does keep the doctor away!

            Apricots contain six carotenoids, with anti-aging properties.

            Bananas contain catechols, which aid immune function.

            Berries also contain anthocyanosides which may help prevent heart disease.

            Papayas, mango, pineapple and watermelon have anti-cancer properties.

            Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, lime and grapefruits contain flavonones to fight cancer, besides being rich source of Vitamin C and fiber.

            Vitamin C in oranges, papayas, guavas, tomato soups and citrus drink concentrates is associated with lower mortality.

             To keep age at bay, vegetables are the best bet. Tomatoes contain an estimated 10,000 phytochemicals, including lycopene, p-coumaric acid and chlorgenic acid, all of which are anti-cancer substances, and also GABA, which may aid in the prevention of high blood pressure. It's time to get saucy!

             Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and radishes aid in the prevention of breast cancer. Potatoes benefit immune function and carrots are a rich source of beta carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A and the maintenance of visual function. Celery has a possible role in the prevention of skin ailments and the prevention of lymphoma. Onions help lower blood cholesterol levels.

             Beta Carotene found in sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrot soup, red or orange veggies, fruits with colored skins and green leafy veggies, is associated with a lower risk towards heart attack, strokes and death.

                       Oily skin needs regular cleansing and care. Most massage creams are oil based and make the oilier. So it is difficult to find a suitable massage cream for oily skin. So thought I, why not prepare a natural and fruity massage cream/lotion at home itself. And also we (1s with oily skin) cannot massage while we have a breakout. We have to wait patiently for all the pimples/acne to go and only then can we go for a massage. I can swear by a facial massage because its so relaxing and good for the skin. But do take caution not to massage often because it would make the skin oilier. So with the correct massage cream and right frequency you will benefit from a facial massage even if you have oily skin.

                    Coming to the massage cream, take a tbspn of pureed cucumber, 1 tspn orange juice, 1 drop peppermint oil and 1/4th tspn honey and mix very well. Cucumber is good for oily skin we all know that, it cuts off that dull dull; honey is a powerful moisturiser; orange juice is good for reducing oiliness and contains Vitamin C and Peppermint oil is good for pimples.

                    Now massage your face, neck and nape with this massage cream for 10-15 mins. Wash off and apply a suitable moisturiser. Or you can go a step ahead and put on a face pack. This has been in my skin care routine for quite a while now and I have been much benefited from it. Hope the 1s with oily skin like it and benefit from this recipe. Thanks girls :D

                Salad for your hair :D sounds cool right? Yes you read it right. I have been using this mask on my hair for 3 months now and that too every week. The results are fab. I didn't have the best of hair- shiny and bouncy but now I do :D:D So thought that I should share my sweet little secret with my sweet readers :)

Apple- 1

Cucumber- 1/2

Avocado- 1/2

Bananas-6

Orange- 1 (juiced)

Egg- 1

Gramflour- as required to bind/make a paste

            Cut all fruits into pieces and blend in a liquidizer or mixie. Add beaten eggs and orange juice, mix very well. Now add gramflour as required. When the mixture reaches toothpaste consistency, moisten your hair and apply the mask from root to ends. Leave it on for an hour and shampoo off. This Fruit Salad Mask is suited to all hair types.

          Try it out and do give me feedback.